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Plans to build a new “town centre” beside an expanded Westfield shopping centre in west London have been criticised for “cramming” new homes and shops together.

The shopping complex is due to get planning permission tonight [Thursday] from Hammersmith and Fulham council for an amended 1 billion scheme to expand its retail space and build 1,522 homes in five tower blocks on industrial land to the north.

But Labour MP Andy Slaughter has led a number of concerns about the outline proposals, which he says will put a strain on roads and schools and “contributes nothing to the character of the area”.

Only just over 10 per cent of the homes 162 will be affordable and Mr Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith, said: “The provision of affordable housing is too low and the majority of housing is aimed at wealthy city investors paying a premium for the housing.”

Kensington and Chelsea council also objected, saying the towers the tallest will be 20 storeys would dominate the skyline, while the extra shops would threaten trade in Kensington High Street and Fulham.

However the Toryrun council is expected to approve the proposals, which it believes will “contribute to the skyline” and help regenerate the area.

The White City shopping centre, known as Westfield London, opened in 2008 and last year attracted 27 million visitors one million more than the previous year.

It is being outshone by its bigger east London sister complex, Westfield Stratford, which was visited by 13.6 million people in its first 14 weeks after opening in September last year.

Under the White City proposals, 9.4 hectares would be redeveloped by adding 50,000 sq ft to the shopping centre and building five residential blocks of between nine and 20 storeys.